NATHAN'S POVWhy would the warning gong be sounding?I turned back to Elder Jesper, and he nodded in understanding. “Go. We will speak about this later on. Protect your pack.”I needed no other urging as I turned my back on him and ran towards the sound of the gong.I got to the clearing and saw people already gathered there. “Theon!” I barked, marching towards where he stood close to Beta Lewis and Rachel. Beta Lewis was currently a man who looked worse for wear, as the toll of his daughter's kidnapping was showing on his skin.But that also meant, that although he was the second highest in command, he would not be the best option for tactical operations.“What is going on? Status report,” I asked as I briskly crossed the clearing. People lowered their heads in respect as I passed them, and I nodded back.“Malachi sent a messenger to deliver something.”“Show me.” My mind raced at the possibilities of what it could be.Theon revealed a lock of hair, and I knew immediately that the th
NATHAN'S POVIt was almost time for me to meet the others at the agreed-upon spot. Everything was set. We had the element of surprise. We were sure Malachi wouldn't be expecting us so soon. We were trained, and we were ready.The only thing left was the silver around their territory.It kept bugging me how Malachi had been able to hold the knife even though it had been coated with silver. My chest seemed to throb from the ghost of the injury. I flexed it absentmindedly, deep in thought.“How had he held the knife?” I said out loud as I paced the forest. I was alone and close to the edge of the territory, my feet having taken me there of their own accord.But that's not the question I should be asking now.How did they get silver around their pack? They had formed a barrier around there with it.“I bet it was Malachi who did it,” I thought to myself. But how…I snapped myself out of it, deciding instead to focus on how to break it. I had promised that I would solve it, and it was up to
NATHAN'S POVThe air hung heavy with the metallic tang of blood and the acrid bite of ozone, a grim testament to the ferocious battle just waged. A storm had started brewing in the distance, lightning decorating the skies. My lungs burned with each ragged breath, but the adrenaline still coursed through me—a potent cocktail of fear and relief. Victoria, pale and trembling, was finally safe in the arms of the pack, her eyes wide with terror and disbelief.But the victory felt hollow. Malachi, the eccentric figure who had orchestrated this entire ordeal, had vanished into the night, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a chilling sense of dread."He's gone," I growled, my voice hoarse. "Just like that." But it confirmed what I had always thought about him. He was never a true leader. This one act of fleeing the battle and abandoning his pack members had seen to that.Theon, who had gone after him, his skin matted with blood and his eyes blazing with fury, nodded grimly. "H
SOPHIA'S POVLast night with Lucas was incredible. It had been such a long time since I had enjoyed myself to that extent, and it was honestly freeing.I thought about the events as I poured hot water into my coffee maker. It was one of the few human pleasures I had allowed myself to enjoy over the last couple of years. At first, I did not enjoy the taste, but I soon realized it was a constant staple in the lives of humans, particularly New Yorkers. And I must admit, it does have a certain taste to it that grows on you in a way other beverages do not.After pressing and separating the liquid, I poured it into a cup, taking a whiff of it.Hmmm, the smell is just divine.Taking a sip, I savored the flavor while savoring a flavor of a different kind – the one from the memories of yesterday. Unfortunately, we had to leave immediately after the storm passed, with Lucas leaving to see his sister in the hospital and me taking a cab home.It had been sweet how much he had apologized for not b
SOPHIA'S POVThey raced to the kitchen, energy fueling each step. They were starting to become more energetic. With each new age, brought new surprises.I remember when Alexia was three years old, and while Alex hadn't shown any signs, she had looked like she was five years old already. They didn't look like twins for almost three months until Alex caught up to her, and now he's starting to look like the other one. Which is only fair. Male wolves tend to grow faster than female ones as they grow older.And now, he's the one showing more advanced growth changes. And soon, Alexia will too…My mind flashed back to when they were three. We were still in Italy then, and they had just started to talk properly a bit. Alexia's hair had grown past her shoulders by this point, and Alex's hair was almost the same length. They had looked almost unidentifiable like they were the same person. The only difference was Alex had grey eyes, and Alexia had blue eyes. Back then, my hardest problem was hav
NATHAN'S POVThe scent of smoke and blood still clung to my skin, a grim reminder of the battle we had just endured. My muscles ached, a dull throb echoing with every labored breath. But the victory over Malachi, coupled with the rescue of Victoria, outweighed any physical pain. I had promised to bring her home, and I had.As soon as we crossed the pack borders, a wave of relief washed over me. The familiar scent of pine needles and damp earth filled my senses, a comforting balm to my weary soul. I could almost hear the rhythmic thumping of pack gongs, a welcome sign that we were not alone and that all was well.The sight that greeted us was a mixture of relief and apprehension. My warriors, battered but unbroken, were tending to the wounded. The air was thick with the scent of healing herbs and the low growls of concern.I saw someone rush towards me, and for a moment, it looked like Sophia. My heart leaped to my throat, and I slowed down. My arms seemed to move of their own accord a
NATHAN'S POVVictoria got up and ran out of the clearing.“Wait!” The word had barely gotten out of my mouth when I could no longer see her again. I knew what I had said that was wrong, but I still didn't understand why she took it so personally every time.She stormed off, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I had many questions, and none of them had been answered. Victoria's reaction was only partly valid, seeing as I didn't outrightly accuse her of anything.Or was it the timing? Was her ordeal with Malachi too much for her to revisit?I don't like fighting with Victoria, and knowing what happened last time we spoke, and she had ended up kidnapped, I made up my mind to resolve this as soon as possible. I didn't want this to go on for quite a time.I stayed out late, gazing at the stars. The moon was beautiful today. I could still see as it shone clearly, illuminating the clearing. Nature was one of my best parts of being a werewolf. There was just something about being out in the op
NATHAN'S POVI stopped in my tracks, listening. Something was off.I stayed like that for moments before brushing the nagging feeling off. I began to move now, but lightly, my feet padding along the grass, not making any unnecessary movements.But the joy of the hunt, the thrill of the chase, felt muted. A nagging unease gnawed at me, a discordant note in the symphony of the night. "Why?" I growl, the sound echoing through my mind.A voice, raw and guttural, responds from the depths of my soul, "She's gone.""I know." I acknowledged him, the word tasting like ash in my mouth."You banished her," the voice snarls, "Your Luna, our mate.""She betrayed me," I defended, my voice tight. "She slept with another."The voice is silent for a long moment, then, "You have no proof.""I saw them," I insist, the memory of the fleeting but long-lasting image, the scent of another wolf clinging to her, still fresh in my mind. I had gone to the room with Victoria, intent on proving her wrong.Instead
NATHAN'S POVThe air smelled strange—thick with human sweat, oil, and something bitter and metallic. Not like the forests of my home, where I had grown up there, and being here was somewhat unsettling. There, the earth beneath my feet was soft, the wind carrying scents of pine and prey.Here, in Brooklyn, the ground was hard, the sky choked with light. Yet even amidst this chaos, I could feel the pull of nature, her heartbeat buried beneath layers of concrete. It was what Elara had sent me to do. I just knew it. Why else would she send me out of the Willows?No. That wasn't right.She didn't send me out. I decided to leave. After spending five days there, I wanted to know how the world was outside that haven for creatures like us.Seeing that little boy ignited something in me that I didn't know, nor could I place a finger on. He looked so free, like the world was his to explore, and venture on a journey that only he knew the path of.Elara had sensed something in me when I got back t
SOFIA'S POV “Mr. Walters, what can I do for you?” I said, fixing a pleasant smile on my face. “Miss Sophia, no need to be so formal. Call me Simon. You've earned it, after this wonderful birthday you've thrown me. It's ten over ten from me.” “Thank you, Simon. Happy birthday once again, sir.” I nodded with a smile. “I must admit, when I picked this restaurant from Andrew's recommendations, I had my reservations, but this has surpassed my expectations. Reminds me of the good old days when the restaurant business had both class and originality, ay? Good job, Andrew,” he said, his laugh booming as he slapped the back of someone on his right. Just so happened to be Andrew. It was funny to watch Andrew sputter as he tried to come up with a response. “Thank you, sir.” “He's a good lad. Here, have my business card. We'll speak more later,” he said, reaching into his suit pocket and bringing out a card. I was stunned for a moment, then regained my composure, accepting the card. “Thank
SOPHIA'S POVThe kitchen of my restaurant hummed with activity, pots clanging and orders being shouted back and forth as I tried to stay focused on the task at hand. The birthday party for the President of The Fusion Flavors was being hosted.It was already underway, but my mind wasn’t on the hors d’oeuvres or the champagne flutes being filled in the dining room.It was on Alex.I can't believe he fainted, collapsing in the back seat of the car without warning. I could still picture his limp body as I scooped him up and rushed him to the hospital, Alexia clutching my arm, her wide, terrified eyes echoing the panic I felt. The image was still clear in my mind as I tried to make sure everything was going smoothly.I hadn't wanted to leave him, but Lucas had arrived after about two hours.I looked up when he came in. “Lucas.”“I came over as fast as I could. Is he okay?”“Yeah, he's stable now.” I still couldn't get over the fact he was here. “How are you here?”“Grace called me. She sai
SOPHIA'S POVThe insistent chirping of my phone alarm dragged me from sleep. It's five in the morning. Another day, another phase of life.Today, however, felt different. Today was the day the CEO of "The Fusion Flavor," the biggest in the culinary industry, had booked my restaurant for the President's birthday party. I had to be there on time, making sure everything was where it was supposed to be.Kate was also coming in today. It was going to be an all-hands-on-deck day. Today was going to be perfect.Groaning, I swung my legs over the side of the bed. My twins, Alex and Alexia, were still fast asleep, their tiny chests rising and falling in rhythmic slumber. I tiptoed out of the room, the floorboards creaking a soft protest under my bare feet.The kitchen was a flurry of activity. I quickly brewed a pot of strong coffee, the aroma already invigorating. My mind raced. Would the CEO be impressed with our locally sourced produce? Would he enjoy the signature dish, my mentor's secret
NATHAN'S POVThe moon hung heavy in the sky, casting long shadows across the clearing. My pack, a cacophony of growls and snarls, watched me with a mixture of fear and awe. I, their Alpha, was leaving them.“I'll be back soon. No one else can know I'm gone.”I looked at the small gathering of the people I trusted—Theon, Rachel, and Beta Lewis amongst others.I was leaving them for the unknown, for the treacherous human world.But they didn't know that.All I had told the small gathering of wolves was that I was going to hunt for Malachi before he came to hunt for us.But, unbeknownst to them, I was really going to search for my mate and follow Elder Jesper’s advice.Elder Jesper, the only werewolf I knew who knows about the ancient ways, could not come with me. He was still severely injured from Malachi's attack, and it was all he could do to guide me onto the right path. But he had also given me one last tool. He knew someone who had left the werewolf world and now lived among the hu
SOPHIA'S POVThe sun, a warm beacon in the cerulean sky, cast long shadows as we made our way through the park. It was a late morning on the next day. Their school had called earlier that morning to inform us, the parents, that it was a fumigation day and the kids had to stay home. I had to call Kate to let her know I wouldn't be coming in and that all the preparations for the President of The Fusion Flavors—his birthday was tomorrow—had to go perfectly.Alex, my adventurous son, was already racing ahead, while Alexia, ever the cautious one, clung to my hand.The kids had been asking me to go to the park for weeks now, so I figured, why not?And here I am, hours later, wondering why I agreed to this on my one day off and why it was this crowded on a Tuesday morning.Walking beside me was Lucas, his easy smile and gentle eyes making my heart flutter a little faster than usual. This wasn't just a simple family outing; it was a chance to spend time with Lucas, a friend who was slowly—but
SOPHIA'S POVThe aroma of cinnamon and apples filled the kitchen as I stirred the pot of simmering stew. I had just gotten back from work, and the day was eventful. Just thinking about the lady from earlier filled my heart with different emotions. I liked that I had been able to help her, and she had been better when she left, but I didn't like that the type of thing that happened to me happened to a lot of women everywhere.I knew there were good men out there. My dad was one of them, and my brothers were too if they had grown up. Tears threatened to well up in my eyes, but I shut them down.There were good men out there. And speaking of good men….I checked my watch, noting the time was six o'clock. That means that he'll be here soon. He's always on time.Alex, my curious little whirlwind, perched on a stool beside me, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Mommy,” he began, his voice serious, “where did we come from?”I smiled, knowing this was the beginning of many such conversation
SOPHIA'S POVThe aroma of freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked and cooked meals filled the air as I unlocked the door to "Sophia’s heart," my little haven, my pride and joy.Having dropped my kids off at school, it was time to begin the day. I entered my car to begin the drive to work.But after settling in my seat, I had taken a moment for myself. Watching them enter the school gates and waving them goodbye had filled my heart with a sense of accomplishment that could not be rivaled. They had grown up to be such amazing children."Five years ago, I wouldn't have thought this possible. In fact, I would have told myself it wasn't. That I wasn't fit to be a mother or to own a restaurant. It had seemed like such a daunting task, but if there's anything I've learned, it's that with every new thing in life, you have to carry yourself with the determination and poise you hope to project to it. Having an open mind, and not limiting yourself to any construct or standard, helped in more way
SOPHIA'S POVThe rain was coming down in sheets, a relentless torrent that had transformed the usually vibrant backyard into a muddy swamp. The rainbow that had been there earlier had disappeared beneath the dark clouds. Inside, the twins, Alex and Alexia, were bouncing off the walls, their energy levels threatening to shatter the windows."Mom," Alex whined, "We're bored!”"I know, darlings." I sighed, peering out the window at the dismal weather. "But it's pouring outside. We can't go anywhere."Alexia, ever the dramatic one, flopped onto the sofa with a theatrical groan. "This is the worst day ever!"After having pancakes for breakfast, I knew having any other thing with too much sugar would be abysmal for the kids, hyping up their energy levels, but I was counting on their werewolf metabolism to solve the problem.I smiled. "Well, let's make it a little less bad." I rummaged through the pantry, pulling out a large bag of flour and a bowl. "How about we bake some cookies?"The twin